Starbucks Holiday Menu embraces the season’s tart, tangy fruit

While that bowl of cranberry sauce might have people smirking, Starbucks Holiday Menu is betting on that seasonal fruit. Starting on November 7, cranberry is the flavor taking over and everyone better be ready to pucker up.

Holiday flavors tend to fall into certain categories. Sweet, often rich, chocolate flavors with a boost of minty refreshment instantly come to mind. The Peppermint Mocha is a prime example. That first whiff of mint can awaken even the most tired person on a busy day. Followed by that rush of sweetness, it is a classic.

Other flavors tend to be citrus forward. Given that prime citrus season hits during the middle of winter, those zesty, bright food flavors are another way to enliven an otherwise dreary day.

With 2024 Starbucks Holiday Menu, the new beverages focus on the fruit-forward flavors. The combination of cranberry and orange is a classic. Even though cranberries can sometimes be a controversial food on the holiday table, the flavor might be the bright spot people need this holiday season.

Starbucks Holiday Menu features its first holiday Refresher.

Starbucks’ Refresher beverages have seen a surge in popularity. More importantly, the offerings tend to be the most creative in terms of flavor. From swicy to bold fruit choices, the vibrant flavors are just as enticing as the stunning colors.

For its first holiday Refresher, Starbucks offers Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. Additionally, it can be served as a Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher or a Cran-Merry Drink, which featured coconutmilk.

The combination of cranberry and orange is a holiday classic. The orange keeps the cranberry’s tartness in check. Overall, these beverages will be a welcome break from the rich, sometimes heavier holiday food and beverage offerings.

In some ways, these new Refreshers seem to be designed to pair well with the holiday food offerings. For example, the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher with the Turkey Sage Danish would make for a perfect lunch option. Could this seasonal menu launch offer some insight into Starbucks future? Only time will tell.

Time to top a favorite Starbucks beverage with a seasonal cold foam.

Cold foam has been big business for Starbucks. It takes a favorite beverage and adds that seasonal twist. New for the holiday season, Starbucks is adding gingerbread and salted pecan.

Although many long for that gingerbread latte, the cold foam brings a taste of the spicy, warm flavor. Sometimes just a little hint of nostalgia can bring some sipping satisfaction.

Also, Starbucks brought back peppermint chocolate cold foam. For someone who likes that flavor, but does not want the richness of a latte, the option is a great compromise.

Overall, Starbucks Holiday Menu is taking the brand in a different direction. Fruit forward, lighter flavors that are all-day beverages are a departure from the traditional holiday food and beverage choices. Will Starbucks continue this trend into 2025? Only time will tell.

The Starbucks Holiday Menu joins stores on November 7. Check with each location for availability and pricing.